Morning journal and courier., 1887-09-03
MANAGER WALES POLICY.

His Fourth Year as Manager of the
 New Haven Opera House and His
 ThirtIeth in Connection With the
 Stage as an Actor and Manager.
 What He Says of the Coming Season.
 The curtain had rung down on the first act at the New Haven Opera House last evening and the loud and prolonged applause had scarcely died away when Manager Wall, with a beaming countenance, appeared in the lob by and surveyed the crowded house with 8 happy smile. To COURIER reporter he said:
 "This night will represent the inauguration of my fourth season as manager of this op- era house and the thirtieth in connection with the stage as actor and manager.
 "A few remarks concerning the coming season, what has been done during the sum mer, what have to offer you in the future and the general policy of my management, may prove of interest
 q suppose should begin by introducing to your notice the changes have made in the auditorium, which I trust the public will appreciate A great deal of money has also been expended on the stage in perfecting the machinery and renewing the scen- cry, which has resulted so- successfully, that I feel have the right to say that have now one of the best equipped playhouses in the United States am indebted in measure to my esteemed friend and owner of this property, Dr. Skiff, whose hberality has en- abled me to announce this fact. I have made several changes in the different departments. The most prominent, and one wkich my patrons cannot fail to notice, is the orches- tra. Heretofore have been compelled, with my audiences, to listen nightly to excursion boat waltzes and German street band polkas, dozen or so of which have done duty as overtures during the last three years. I have m nT1no Prnf G01R ho so artist and an enthusiast in music, and I look forward to radical change.
 GAS to my policy: am disciple of con- servatisml There isn't an ounce of "gush <" in me! It may not be polite, fashionable or theatric, but it's honest. I am theatrical manager because I've spent the greater part of my life as one (and it's probably the best thing I know), and I manage 8 theatre to keep out of debt and to entertain the public.
 ''In order to accomplish this successfully must provide what the general pub lie want. must not cater to any class or set. That means bankruptcy. I cannot classify amusement. Many managers from ignorance or craftiness announce that they will play nothing but frst-class attractions, the object being to pull the wool over the eyes of the unsuspecting deyotee to fashion; it is a snare and deception.
 "Some people like the fiery untamed
 
 Williams to Booth; others think minstrel show sublime, while comic opera is favor 1te with all from the shop girl to the million aire. There's only one conclusion to arrive at-the public will patronize what it fancies, and the box office tells the story.
 My motto is: Whatever is reputable, in- structive and attractive is frstclass, and that's exactly what you'll always get here.
 ''Now in the matter of prices of admission \ am in most cases the party of the second part. The large and successful attrac- tions of the country base their travelling schedule on the rate common in all large cities, which is $1.50, $1, 75 and 50 cents. They will tell you: 'I get it in New York, and why should we asume the expense of travel, the transportation of our company and effects, giving a New York entertain ment for less sum than we get in New York for heightened stay, while we remain day or two only in New Haven a' Again: another successful manager or star, with an mex pensive attraction, will say, "Our goods are attractive, fashionable; they're solid silk, every body wants 'em, and we must have the best prices" In this as in all other com mercial enterprises the market makes the price.
 'FI have induced many of my best attrac- tions to perform at 75 cents for the best price, while in other cities they demand and get more money. I beg you will not always gauge IHo quaAlIy ol Ine Soous Dy bue price asked, for in many eases the attraction play ing at the lower price is superior to the one charging the best.
 "You will therefore see how impossible it is for me, playing such variety of attrac tions, to make standard price for all.
 "My advertisements will always name the price of admission, which is respectfully sub- mitted. I ana offering as an opening attrac- tion Fife Ellsler and company in new play. Miss EllsleI is conceded to be socially and one of the most admired and brilliant ladies of the dramatic profession, and commend her to the public's apprecia- tion.
 ''I shall always endeavor to merit the pub lies esteem and patronage"